• Slice each date in half length wise, making sure not to cut all the way through. Peel the date open a bit and remove the pit and little stem at the top if there is one. Discard the pits.

  Place the sliced dates onto a piece of parchment paper. Scoop a teaspoon of peanut butter into the middle of each date. This can be somewhat drippy depending on the brand of peanut butter you use.

  You can also use a piping bag/ zip lock bag to stuff the sliced date.

  Consider using the piping bag method if you are making more than 6 dates. Even though its an extra step, the piping bag makes it super easy to fill up the dates.

Chocolate Coating

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Once the chocolate is melted, it is time to dip the dates. Use a toothpick and push it completely through the center of the date to allow you to pick up and dunk the date in the melted chocolate.

  You can leave the tooth pick inserted in the date as it will keep the filling together plus make it easy for you to eat the dates.

  Or you can gently roll each date in the chocolate until fully covered, using a fork to hold it. Or you can skewer each date like a popsicle and dunk them in the melted chocolate. 

  You can either dip and coat it completely or dip half. I like to dip half because I think it’s the perfect balance of flavors.

  Let the excess chocolate drip off the date and then place back onto the parchment lined baking sheet. After you place each date back onto the baking sheet, sprinkle the tops with crushed peanuts and a sprinkle of flaky salt if desired and place back in the freezer until hardened, 15-20 minutes.

  Keep stored in the freezer. But allow them to soften slightly after removing from the freezer before enjoying - about 5 minutes.

  TIP:  Work quickly as the melted chocolate will harden quickly!